Betsy
Paul said "closure due to high petrol prices, increase in duty on beer and cheap booze from super markets"

He didn't mention "Smoking", so why bring it into the equation.

Not all pubs are closing becuase of the smoking ban. I personally am so glad they banned smoking.

I wouldn't run Faldingworth Live if smoking was allowed. We get between 70 to 100 each time. In the 5 or 6 years I have been running (originally called Market rasen Folk Club) smoking was not allowed in the building. This was respect for all performers and for the audience of which the majority were non smokers.

There that got that off my chest. :-)

Now to get back to the question in hand.

From what you say Paul, it sounds very much like the Folk Club is not going to influence the gaffer's decision. I would think he needs a lot more business than that to keep heads above water.
Its very sad its happening and I hope that the gaffer decides to carry on.

I have always run in a Village Hall and the thing I like is that does as much for the community as anything, and I happen to think it offers more long term security. Do you not have a nice village hall there? The other thing is that grants are available for improving village halls and if rural enough there are grants for putting on the odd music event as well as getting equipment etc.

I have realised that where you operate from is not the critical thing, unless you can't find anything else. If (and hopefully it doesn't happen) he shuts the doors, be ready with another location. People will still go, as i have found out.
What is important, is that the music is good, the atmosphere is good and the peoplethat come do the rest.

I wish you good luck with whatever the outcome is.

Les